Designed in part by Dr. Hassan Yasser Ebrahim, Senior Manager of Planning & Design Sustainability at Sorouh Real Estate, this prototype eco villa has a variety of features that slash its energy and water consumption by up to 30 percent. A tight envelope and glazing prevents thermal losses, careful solar orientation minimizes solar gain and rated appliances and air-conditioning systems contribute to the energy efficiency while special low flow plumbing systems ensure water is not wasted. A solar system heats water, further minimizing the energy load.

But perhaps the most important aspect of this villa is that it is decidedly Arab. In addition to the furnishings, which might seem strange to some of our western readers, the home is designed specifically in accordance with Arab culture that places great importance on privacy. Guests can congregate in areas that are completely separated from private quarters and there is a lovely courtyard space that would lie behind tall walls. The Estidama compliant eco villa on display at WFES represents the model used in two government-backed construction projects that combined feature just over 1,000 units.